US20090041313A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20090041313A1
Application number: US11/891,370
Authority: US
Inventors: William Owen Brown
Original assignee: Plantronics Inc
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2007-08-10
Filing date: 2007-08-10
Publication date: 2009-02-12
Also published as: WO2009023176A1; US8009874B2

Abstract

A headset includes a detector providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition, a memory storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user, and a fingerprint scanner for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a donned condition. The headset includes a finger pad on an exterior of the headset on which a fingerprint of a headset wearer is placed during a validation process and a processor for processing the fingerprint scan to validate the identity of a headset user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As headsets become more “intelligent”, offering advanced features and functionality, they store and utilize increased quantities of user specific information. Such user specific information includes listening preferences such as volume, tone, and audio equalization. User specific information also includes, for example, passwords, telephone directories, and network or device identities to communicate with.

In the prior art, there was limited need for headset user validation since the scope of features and functionality was limited. However, with the recent advent of more advanced headset, if the headset does not authenticate that the person who wears the headset is indeed the authorized user to which this information pertains, then the person wearing the headset may be able to gain access to user specific information without the authorized user's permission or knowledge. This unauthorized access is particularly dangerous where an intelligent headset may permit an unauthorized wearer to gain access to the valid owner's e-mail, contact lists, voice mail, or other private information.

Furthermore, in addition to privacy concerns, unauthorized headset use may pose safety concerns as well. For example, some of the headset settings may potentially be damaging to the wearer, such as the case where the authorized user is hard of hearing and has a volume preference that is high enough to be potentially damaging to anyone else who uses the headset. It would therefore be desirable to prevent unsuspecting wearer's of the headset from being able to operate the headset.

As a result, there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses for headset usage and user validation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1 shows a system including a headset server and a headset (wired or wireless) capable of indicating a donned or doffed state of the.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a headset capable of indicating a donned or doffed state.

FIGS. 3 through 6 show different embodiments of a motion detector used in a headset.

FIGS. 7 through 13 show different embodiments of a non-motion detector used in a headset.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a method of determining a donned or doffed state of a headset.

FIG. 15A illustrates a headset capable of indicating a donned or doffed state and capable of performing user validation utilizing a fingerprint scan and identification in one example of the invention.

FIG. 15B illustrates a headset capable of indicating a donned or doffed state and capable of performing user validation utilizing a fingerprint scan and identification in a further example of the invention, wherein the fingerprint scan is performed with a line scanner.

FIG. 16 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the components of the headset shown inFIG. 15A or15B.

FIG. 17 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the headset shown inFIG. 16, wherein the fingerprint scanner is an optical scanner

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by which the system inFIG. 16 operates to validate the headset user.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Methods and apparatuses for headset user validation are disclosed. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

This invention relates generally to the field of intelligent headsets and specifically to the field of headsets that contain or allow access to user specific information. In one example, this description describes a method and apparatus for a headset with user validation (also referred to herein as user authentication). The user validation process is activated upon detection of a particular headset usage status, such as when the headset state shifts from a not worn (doffed) state to a worn state (donned or also referred to herein as “DON”). The headset includes a detector for determining whether the headset is donned or doffed, and when the headset shifts from being doffed to donned or vice versa.

User validation is accomplished using a fingerprint scanner on the headset. A variety of fingerprint scanners may be used, such as ultrasound, capacitive, and optical scanning. For example, an optical fingerprint scanner is integrated into the headset. In a further example, an optical line scanner is used to perform the fingerprint authentication. The headset includes a fingerprint input device and a processor running fingerprint identification software. The software initially captures and stores the key identifying elements of the user's fingerprint and performs pattern matching upon headset DON to ensure that the fingerprint of the user matches that originally stored.

The herein described methods and systems provide several advantages over the prior art. Secure authentication is achieved with high reliability and unauthorized use is prevented. In an example where the fingerprint scanner is a line scanner, the line scanner is smaller and lighter than typical optical scanners used for fingerprint scanning. In one example, the validation apparatus and method is self-contained and does not require a separate server, which may be useful in remote applications. Where the headset is used for presence applications, validation of the headset user increases reliability of the presence information.

In one example of the invention, a headset includes a detector providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition and a memory storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user. A finger pad is located on an exterior of the headset, on which a fingerprint of a headset wearer is placed during a validation process. The headset further includes a fingerprint scanner for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a state change from a doffed condition to a donned condition, and a processor for processing the fingerprint scan to validate the identity of a headset user. Upon validation, one or more headset functions requiring validation are unlocked. Upon detection of a state change from a donned condition to a doffed condition, any previous validation of the headset is terminated, and any headset functions requiring validation are locked from use.

In one example of the invention, a method for validating the identity of a headset wearer includes detecting kinetic energy, temperature or capacitance to determine a headset characteristic, processing the headset characteristic to determine a donned or doffed condition, generating a fingerprint scan using a headset fingerprint scanner, and processing the fingerprint scan to validate the identity of a headset wearer.

In one example of the invention, a headset includes a detector providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition, a memory storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user, and a fingerprint scanner for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a donned condition. The headset includes a finger pad on an exterior of the headset on which a fingerprint of a headset wearer is placed during a validation process and a processor for processing the fingerprint scan to validate the identity of a headset user.

Referring now toFIG. 1, asystem100 includes aheadset102 and aheadset server104 operably coupled together. Other elements may be betweenheadset102 andserver104, such as but not limited to, adaptors, access points, and/or networks. It is noted thatserver104 may be used to route calls to multiple headsets, for example, at a call center.

Headset

102 may be wired or wireless. In one example,headset102 may be wired to an adaptor which is coupled to a network, orheadset102 may be wirelessly coupled to an access point (AP) (not shown), which is operably coupled with a network. In one example, the network may be a communications network which may include a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an integrated services digital network (ISDN), a local area network (LAN), and/or a wireless local area network (WLAN), that support standards such as Ethernet, wireless fidelity (WiFi), and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

In one example, an AP includes a transceiver and a processor configured to allow a wireless device (e.g., a headset) access to a network connected to the access point (e.g., via a 10/100 Ethernet RJ-45 port). An AP may be any device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. In one example, an AP is able to support WiFi in general, and the 802.11a, 802.11b, and/or 802.11g wireless networking standards in particular. In other examples, the AP may be able to support other wireless networking standards.

Referring now toFIG. 2 in conjunction withFIG. 1, a block diagram of an example ofheadset102 is shown.Headset102 includes aprocessor202 operably coupled via abus214 to adetector204, a donned and doffeddetermination circuit205, amemory206, atransducer208, anoptional network interface210, and anoptional user interface212.

Processor

202 allows for processing data, in particular managing data betweendetector204,determination circuit205, andmemory206 for determining the donned or doffed state ofheadset102. In one example,processor202 may also process information about access points, service providers, and service accounts for wireless headsets. In one example,processor202 is a high performance, highly integrated, and highly flexible system-on-chip (SOC), including signal processing functionality such as echo cancellation/reduction and gain control in another example.Processor202 may include a variety of processors (e.g., digital signal processors), with conventional CPUs being applicable.

Detector

204 includes a motion detector and/or a non-motion detector providing output charges based upon a headset characteristic such as kinetic energy, temperature, and/or capacitance.

In the case of a motion detector, as the user wears the headset, subtle movements of the head (e.g., from standing, sitting, walking, or running) cause movements of the headset, anddetector204 transfers kinetic energy from head and body movement into an electromotive force, or an output charge. In other words, motion of the headset induces a small fluctuating current flow in a nearby electrical conductor. Current in this conductor is amplified electronically. The output charges may be provided at predetermined or varying intervals (e.g., sampling every 5 seconds) and for predetermined or varying periods (e.g., based on time or number of samples) to form an output charge pattern.

Detector

204 is operably coupled to adetermination circuit205 for determining whether a plurality of the output charges form an output charge pattern corresponding to a state selected from the group consisting of the headset being donned and doffed. In one example,determination circuit205 compares the output charge pattern to a predetermined profile, and if the pattern is within the bounds of the predetermined profile, the headset is considered to be in a state of being donned. When there is no recognized output charge pattern for a predetermined period, then the headset may be considered to be abandoned and in a state of being doffed. In another embodiment, the output charge pattern may be recognized as a doffed output charge pattern. The output charges may be shaped using a comparator circuit which is connected to an input pin on a general purpose microcontroller. Firmware in the microcontroller may implement a filtering algorithm to discriminate between movement of a headset when doffed and the occasional movements caused by relocating a non-worn headset from one location to another. In this example,determination circuit205 is an individual component operably coupled to other components ofheadset102 viabus214, butdetermination circuit205 may be placed in various places as shown by the dashed line connection, for example being integrated withprocessor202 ordetector204, stored inmemory206, or being provided from outside ofheadset102, for example atserver104.

In the case of a non-motion detector, as the user wears the headset,detector204 transfers temperature and/or capacitance readings into an electromotive force, or an output charge. Current in this conductor is amplified electronically and processed as described above with respect to motion detectors. Again, the output charges may be provided at predetermined or varying intervals and for predetermined or varying periods to form an output charge pattern.

Memory

206 may include a variety of memories, and in one example includes SDRM, ROM, flash memory, or a combination thereof.Memory206 may further include separate memory structures or a single integrated memory structure. In one example,memory206 may be used to store passwords, network and telecommunications programs, and/or an operating system (OS). In one embodiment,memory206 may storedetermination circuit205, output charges and patterns thereof fromdetector204, and predetermined output charge profiles for comparison to determine the donned and doffed state of a headset.

Transducer

208 may include an acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, a speaker, or a combination thereof, for transmission of sound (such as from the user's mouth or to the user's ear based upon signals from an audio source).Transducer208 may also include a plurality of separate transducers for performing different functions. The transducer can be any type of electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or electrostatic type of driving element, or a combination thereof, or another form of driving element, for generating sound waves from the output face of the transducer. In one embodiment, the transducer may receive signals through wireless communication channels, such as by Bluetooth™ protocols and hardware, in one example.

Network interface

210 allows for communication with APs, and in one example includes a transceiver for communicating with a wireless local area network (LAN) radio transceiver (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, ultra wideband (UWB) radio, etc.) for access to a network (e.g., a wireless LAN or the Internet), or an adaptor for providing wired communications to a network. In one example,network interface210 is adapted to derive a network address for the headset using the headset's electronic serial number, which is used to identify the headset on the network. In one embodiment, the electronic serial number may be the headset's Media Access Control (MAC) address; however, the electronic serial number may be any number that is mappable to a network address.Network interface210 is adapted to communicate over the network using the network address that it derives for the headset. In one embodiment,network interface210 is able to transmit and receive digital and/or analog signals, and in one example communicates over the network using IP, wherein the network interface uses the headset's MAC address or another globally unique address as its IP address. In particular,network interface210 may be operably coupled to a network via the IEEE 802.11 protocol. However, thenetwork interface210 may communicate using any of various protocols known in the art for wireless or wired connectivity.

An example of an applicable network interface and the Internet protocol layers (and other protocols) of interest are described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/091,905 filed Mar. 4, 2002, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

User interface

212 allows for manual communication between the headset user and the headset, and in one example includes an audio and/or visual interface such that a prompt may be provided to the user's ear and/or an LED may be lit.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 through 13, different embodiments ofdetector204 are described.FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate examples of motion detectors, andFIGS. 7 through 13 illustrate examples of non-motion.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate amagnet302 and aconductor304, such as a coil, that move relative to one another such that an output charge is generated in accordance with an embodiment.FIG. 3A illustrates amovable magnet302 that moves relative to a fixedconductor304, andFIG. 3B illustrates amovable conductor304 that moves relative to a fixedmagnet302. The movable component may be hinged, suspended mechanically, or otherwise movably coupled so that gravity or inertia drives slight movement with respect to the headset whenever the headset wearer moves his head or body. In one example, the fixed magnet may be the same magnet used in a moving-coil transducer contained in the headset. The induced current in the conductive element is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit (for example a part of a printed circuit board assembly), and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset.

FIGS. 3C through 3E illustrate in more detail embodiments ofmagnet302 movable with respect to a fixedconductor304.FIGS. 3C,3D, and3E show amovable magnet302 and a fixedconductor304, which is operably coupled to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)306.

InFIGS. 3C and 3D,magnet302 is movably coupled tomagnet support308 via a joint310, which allowsmagnet302 to move in various directions relative toconductor304. InFIG. 3C, joint310 may include a ball-and-socket type joint slidably coupled alongsupport308 allowingmagnet302 to move overtrace conductor304. InFIG. 3D, joint310 may include a spring that allowsmagnet302 to move along an interior ofcoil conductor304. InFIG. 3E,magnet302 is movable withinsupport308, which is filled with a fluid310, in one example a ferrofluid, allowingmagnet302 to move along an interior ofcoil conductor304 that surrounds at least a portion ofsupport308.

FIG. 3F shows a similar detector as inFIG. 3E, includingmagnet302,PCBA306,support308, andfluid310, but instead ofconductor304, asensor312 is positioned proximate to support308 for sensing movement of magnet302 (e.g., sensing if the magnet passes the sensor). In one example, with no intent to limit the invention thereby,sensor312 may include a Hall effect sensor, a reed switch, and/or an optical switch.

FIG. 4A illustrates anacceleration sensor402 operably coupled to aPCBA406 in accordance with an embodiment. In one example,acceleration sensor402 includes a mass affixed to a piezoelectric crystal. The mass is coupled to a supporting base through the piezoelectric crystal. When the sensor is subjected to kinetic activity, the sensor experiences force due to the acceleration of the mass, thereby exerting a force on the crystal. This force results in an output charge of the crystal that is directly proportional to the input acceleration. The variations in force against the crystal resulting from the movements of the headset result in various output charges. The output charge is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit, and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset.

Examples of applicable micro-electronic mechanical acceleration sensors, such as piezoelectric accelerometers, are dual and tri-axis accelerometers model series KXM and KXP, available from Kionix, Inc. of Ithaca, N.Y. Various piezoelectric crystal materials may be used for the accelerometer construction, such as ceramic lead metaniobate, lead zirconate, lead titanate, and natural quartz crystal. Various mechanical configurations of the masses and crystals may also be used, including but not limited to isolated compression, shear, and ring shear, to name a few.

In another embodiment,acceleration sensor402 may include strain gauges in one or more axes of the headset, as illustrated inFIGS. 4B,4B1, and4B2. In one example,detector204 includes amass420 coupled to an end of aflexible membrane424 and thin electrical traces422 (strain gauge element) onflexible membrane424 and operably coupled toPCBA406. FIGS.4B1 and4B2 illustratemembrane424 flexing along opposite directions, respectively, as illustrated by the arrows. The flexing ofmembrane424 effectively lengthens and thins (flexes, compresses, and/or elongates) thetraces422, increasing the resistance through the trace pattern. Kinetic energy from movement of the headset causes variations in the resistance of the trace pattern, thereby allowing for determination of a donned or doffed state of the headset.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate adetector204 including amovable conductor502 and acapsule508 havingelectrical contacts504 in accordance with an embodiment.FIG. 5A illustratesconductor504 that is loosely contained withincapsule508, andFIG. 5B illustratesconductor502 that is suspended withincapsule508.Conductor502 is made of electrically conductive material and movable such that gravity and/or inertia causesconductor502 to move with respect to the headset whenever the headset wearer moves the headset.Electrical contacts504 are positioned withincapsule508 such that contact withmovable conductor502 causes an electric current or output charge to be produced, which is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit, and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset.

InFIG. 5A,conductor502 closes a circuit by bridging a gap betweenelectrical contacts504, allowing an electric current to flow intermittently. InFIG. 5B,conductor502 is suspended from a pivot point inside the headset so that headset movement causes the conductor to move and touch contact points that surround the conductor, effectively closing and opening a circuit to thereby allow electric current to flow intermittently.

In another example, the electrical contacts may be configured in groups of two or more sets so that the motion of the weight in differing directions may be registered, thereby providing more data for determining the headset state. For example, a movable conductive mass is loosely contained in a housing that includes many contacts, such that movement of the mass opens and closes circuits as the mass makes and breaks contact with the housing contacts. The sensitivity of this detector can be tuned to detect the axis or direction of the movement, where alternate contacts are connected to different points on the circuit. Accordingly, this configuration can be arranged to determine when the user of the headset is shaking his or her head from side-to-side or nodding up and down, differentiating between the two motions by monitoring which circuit(s) are opening and closing, thereby allowing the user to input information into the headset, such as when responding to a call-answer prompt with a nod “yes” or shake of the head “no”.

FIGS. 5C,5C1,5C2, and5C3 illustrate in greater detail an embodiment of adetector204 including amovable conductor502 and a fixedcapsule508 havingelectrical contacts504 operably coupled to aPCBA506.Conductor502 is freely movable within spherical capsule508 (as shown by arrows in FIG.5C1), and creates or closesdifferent circuits512 asconductor502 makes contact with electrical contacts504 (as shown by FIGS.5C2 and5C3).

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate adetector204 including alight source602, aphotosensor606, and a movable

reflective surface

604,608 therebetween in accordance with an embodiment.FIG. 6A illustratessurface604 that may be suspended, pinned, or loosely trapped, such thatsurface604 at a rest state allowsphotosensor606 to receive light fromlight source602. Movement of the headset causessurface604 to move such thatphotosensor606 detects a change in the amount of light received and induces fluctuating current flow in a nearby electrical conductor. Alternatively, inFIG. 6B,surface608 may be suspended, pinned, or loosely trapped, such thatsurface608 at a rest state impedes light from reachingphotosensor606. Movement of the headset causessurface608 to move such thatphotosensor608 detects a change in the amount of light received and induces fluctuating current flow in a nearby electrical conductor. The current flow or output charge produced is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit, and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset. In yet another example,

surface

604,608 could include a hole through which light fromlight source602 travels, thereby providing changed amount of light received byphotosensor606 as the

surface

604,608 moves as the headset is moved.

As noted above,detector204 may include a non-motion detector that provides output charges based upon a headset characteristic such as temperature and/or capacitance. When a headset is properly worn, several surfaces of the headset touch or are in operable contact with the user. These touch/contact points can be monitored and used to determine the donned or doffed state of the headset.

FIG. 7 illustrates an infra-red (IR)detector702 that is sensitive to the temperature of a human body. Humans having a skin temperature of about 93 degrees Fahrenheit, radiate infra-red energy with a wavelength between about 9 and 10 micrometers. Therefore, the IR detector may be configured to be sensitive in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers, and may be positioned to aim at a point where the headset is intended to contact a user's skin, such as the user's skin or hair. When the headset user dons the headset, theIR detector702 detects radiation in the wavelengths between 9 and 10 micrometers and provides an electrical signal or output charge that is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit, and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate apyroelectric sensor802 that is positioned in close proximity to a point where the headset is intended to contact a user's skin. The sensor detects a user is present by determining a skin temperature near 93 degrees Fahrenheit and then providing an electrical signal or output charge that is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit, and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset. As shown inFIG. 8B, twopyroelectric sensors802aand802bmay be used, with one sensor positioned close to a contact point and the other positioned in a location away from a contact point. Differences (a delta) between the readings of the two sensors can be used to determine a donned or doffed state of the headset, for example if the delta of the two temperature readings is at or above a predetermined level.

FIG. 9 illustrates anelectronic circuit902 sensitive to capacitance positioned in close proximity to a point where the headset is intended to contact a user's skin. The circuit detects an increase in capacitance when the headset is worn and provides an output charge that is amplified, sent to a donned and doffed determination circuit, and processed as described above to determine a state of the headset.

Other detectors that may be used at a touch point include micro-switches, as shown inFIG. 10. A micro-switch1002 can be housed and operably coupled to aPCBA1006 within the headset device such that anactuator1004 of the switch is positioned at atouch point102aof the headset, thereby being depressed when the headset is worn. A determination circuit inPCBA1006 can monitor the state of the switch, thereby determining the state of the headset.

Another detector that may be used includes aninductive proximity sensor1102, as shown inFIG. 11. Aproximity switch1102 can be housed and operably coupled to aPCBA1106 within the headset device such that theswitch1102 is positioned at atouch point102aof the headset, thereby being triggered or activated when the headset is worn. This use of a proximity switch does not require force from the user's skin, but proximity to the user (without consistent force) such that a change in magnetic field is detected is sufficient to trigger the sensor. A determination circuit inPCBA1106 can monitor the state of the switch, discriminating between a donned or doffed state of the headset.

Yet another detector that may be used includes askin resistivity sensor1202, as shown inFIG. 12.Conductive materials1202 can be used at two or more touch points102aon the headset, and a circuit inPCBA1206 can monitor the resistance between these conductive materials, thereby detecting a resistance that is consistent with a predetermined range, thus discriminating between a donned and a doffed state of the headset. That is, when the two or more contact points are in contact with the user's skin, the resistance reading between these contact points will be different from when the headset is not worn, for example the resistance being reduced when the headset is worn due to the skin adding conductance.

Referring now toFIG. 13, another detector that may be utilized includes a carbon dioxide (CO₂)sensor1302 operably coupled to aPCBA1306 and achannel1304 in accordance with an embodiment.Sensor1302 is able to detect an increase of CO₂, thereby inferring a donned state of a headset. In one embodiment,sensor1302 is able to subtract background CO₂levels to more accurately discriminate between donned and doffed states, and in another embodiment,sensor1302 and a determination circuit are able to detect patterns of CO₂levels correlating to human breathing patterns.

It is noted that a variety of detectors that provide an output charge pattern corresponding to a donned or doffed state of a headset are within the scope of the present invention.

In critical applications, two or more of the embodiments described above may be used in one headset in order to determine a donned or doffed headset state with greater accuracy and reliability. For example, in one case with one motion detector and one non-motion detector being used, a headset state can be indicated when both detectors indicate the same state.

Referring now toFIG. 14 in conjunction withFIGS. 1 and 2, a flowchart of a method for determining the donned or doffed state of a headset is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment. Atstep1402, a headset characteristic, such as kinetic energy, temperature, and/or capacitance, is detected by adetector204. Atstep1404, the detector provides an output charge corresponding to a detected characteristic. The output charge is amplified and transferred todetermination circuit205. Atstep1406, a plurality of output charges are processed bydetermination circuit205 to determine an output charge pattern. Atstep1408,determination circuit205 correlates the output charge pattern to a donned or doffed state of a headset, in one example comparing the output charge pattern to predetermined output charge profiles that reflect a donned or doffed state of a headset. The predetermined output charge profiles may be in look-up tables or a database and may include a variety of parameters, such as for particular headsets and detectors being used. Atstep1410, the headset state may be sent toserver104 for routing of calls or messages, or for notifying a system regarding volume control for hearing impaired use.

Further discussion regarding the use of sensors or detectors to detect a donned or doffed state can be found in the commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Donned and Doffed Headset State Detection” (Attorney Docket No.: 01-7308), which was filed on Oct. 2, 2006, and which is hereby incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

FIG. 15A illustrates aheadset1500 capable of indicating a donned or doffed state and capable of performing user validation utilizing a fingerprint scan and identification in one example of the invention.Headset1500 includes afinger pad1502 on the exterior of the headset on which the fingerprint of afinger1504 of a headset user is placed during a validation process.Finger pad1502 is positioned on the exterior of the headset in such a manner that at least a part of a fingerprint portion lies flat upon the finger pad during user validation.

FIG. 15B illustrates aheadset1506 capable of indicating a donned or doffed state and capable of performing user validation utilizing a fingerprint scan and identification in a further example of the invention, wherein the fingerprint scan is performed with a line scanner.Headset1506 includes a finger pad in the form of anarrow finger strip1408 on which a user finger is placed and scanned by the user “wiping” his finger across a scanning surface. During optical scanning, the user slides his or her finger across the scanning surface, whereby the line scanner images the finger line by line as it is slid across the scanning surface.

FIG. 16 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the components of the headset shown inFIG. 15A or15B. In one example, the headset does not rely on server-based voice technologies, whose accuracy can be limited. The headset1500 (or1506) includes aprocessor1602 operably coupled via abus1614 to adetector1604, a donned and doffeddetermination circuit1605, amemory1606, atransducer1608, anoptional network interface1610, and anoptional user interface1612. Theheadset1500 further includes afingerprint scanner1616 and afinger pad1618.Fingerprint scanner1616 is properly aligned and integrated withfinger pad1618 within the headset housing.

Memory

1606 includes previously storedfingerprint data1620 corresponding to validated users, afeature identifier application1622 for analyzing scanned fingerprint scan data, and afingerprint match application1624 for comparing the analyzed scanned fingerprint scan data to previously storedfingerprint data1620. Although shown as separate applications,feature identifier application1622 andfingerprint match application1624 may be integrated into a single application.Feature identifier application1622 identifies fingerprint features to uniquely identify a user.Memory1606 may include a variety of memories, and in one example includes SDRM, ROM, flash memory, or a combination thereof.Memory1606 may further include separate memory structures or a single integrated memory structure. In one example,memory1606 may be used to store passwords, network and telecommunications programs, and/or an operating system (OS). In one embodiment,memory1606 may storedetermination circuit1605, output charges and patterns thereof fromdetector1604, and predetermined output charge profiles for comparison to determine the donned and doffed state of a headset.

Processor

1602, using executable code and applications stored in memory, performs the necessary functions associated with headset operation described herein.Processor1602 allows for processing data, in particular managing data betweendetector1604,determination circuit1605, andmemory1606 for determining the donned or doffed state of

headset

1500 or1506, and determining whether the state of the headset has switched from being doffed to donned.Processor1602 further processes fingerprint scan data received fromfingerprint scanner1616 usingfeature identifier application1622 andfingerprint match application1624. In one example,processor1602 is a high performance, highly integrated, and highly flexible system-on-chip (SOC), including signal processing functionality such as echo cancellation/reduction and gain control in another example.Processor1602 may include a variety of processors (e.g., digital signal processors), with conventional CPUs being applicable.

The structure and operation ofdetector1604 and donned and doffeddetermination circuit1605 are as described herein above in reference toFIG. 2. For example,detector1604 may be a motion detector. The motion detector may take a variety of forms such as, for example, a magnet and a coil moving relative to one another, or an acceleration sensor having a mass affixed to a piezoelectric crystal. The motion detector may also be a light source, a photosensor, and a movable surface therebetween. In further examples, the detector may include one or more of the following: an infra-red detector, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance circuit, a micro-switch, an inductive proximity switch, a skin resistance sensor, or at least two pyroelectric sensors for determining a difference in temperature readings from the two pyroelectric sensors.

In one example the headset continuously monitors donned and doffed status of the headset. Upon detection that the headset is in a newly donned status, the user validation process begins. The structure and operation oftransducer1608 andnetwork interface1610 in one example are substantially similar to that described herein above in reference toFIG. 2.

User interface

1612 allows for manual communication between the headset user and the headset, and in one example includes an audio and/or visual interface such that an audio prompt may be provided to the user's ear and/or an LED may be lit. For example, the prompt may inform the user to place his or her finger on the finger pad to perform a fingerprint scan, or the prompt may be used to inform the user that the validation has been successful or it has failed.

FIG. 17 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the headset shown inFIG. 16, wherein thefingerprint scanner1616 is an optical scanner. In this example, thefingerprint scanner1616 includes alight source1702 andcamera1704.Camera1704 is, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) such as a CMOS square pixel array.

In one example,light source1702 is an array of light emitting diodes which illuminate the ridges of a finger placed onfinger pad1700.Finger pad1700 may for example, be a transparent surface such as glass. The CCD is an array of light sensitive diodes which generate an electrical signal in response to light which hits a particular pixel. Examples of optical scanners include, without limitation, image sensors, line scanners, planar scanners, CMOS sensors, and contact image sensors. In operation, light generated bylight source1702 is directed to thefinger pad1700 to illuminate the fingerprint, and then reflected tocamera1704, which captures the reflected image. The captured image is processed byprocessor1706, and compared to a previously stored fingerprint inmemory1708 of the valid user. In one example, the validation process is initiated whenusage detector1710 determines that the headset is donned.

In a further example of the invention,fingerprint scanner1616 is a capacitance scanner. For example,fingerprint scanner1616 is a chip sensor made up of an array of tiny cells which based on the distribution of capacitances and electric fields, obtains a topographic image of the fingerprint. Each cell includes two conductor plates. During the scan process, a finger ridge will result in a different voltage output than a finger valley. The scanner processor reads the voltage output for each cell in the sensor array, and determines whether the output is a ridge or a valley.Processor1706 compares the scanned fingerprint data with previously stored data by comparing specific features of the fingerprint to determine whether the pattern of ridges and valleys in the scanned fingerprint data match the ridges and valleys in the stored validated fingerprint data. For example, examination of where ridge lines terminate or bifurcate may be examined and compared.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by which the system inFIG. 16 operates to validate the headset user. Atblock1802, a headset characteristic, such as kinetic energy, temperature, and/or capacitance, is detected by adetector204. Atblock1804, the detector provides an output charge corresponding to a detected characteristic. The output charge is amplified and transferred todetermination circuit205. Atblock1806, a plurality of output charges are processed bydetermination circuit1605 to determine an output charge pattern. Atblock1808,determination circuit1605 correlates the output charge pattern to a donned or doffed state of a headset, in one example comparing the output charge pattern to predetermined output charge profiles that reflect a donned or doffed state of a headset. The predetermined output charge profiles may be in look-up tables or a database and may include a variety of parameters, such as for particular headsets and detectors being used. In one example, atdecision block1810, the headset controller determines whether the headset has shifted from a doffed state to a donned state. If no atdecision block1810, then atdecision block1811, it is determined whether the headset has shifted from a donned state to a doffed state. If yes atdecision block1811, validation of the headset is terminated atblock1813. Upon termination of validation, any headset functions requiring validation are locked/disabled and the user may be notified of the termination atblock1815. In this manner, unauthorized use of the headset is prevented. Followingblock1815, the process returns to block1802. If no atdecision block1811, the process returns to block1802.

If yes atdecision block1810, then atblock1812 the user validation process is activated. In additional example processes, the validation process is activated upon detection of a donned status where validation has not previously occurred. For example, the validation process may be activated upon powering on of the headset and donning or while donned. In further examples, timing of the validation process upon DON detection in relation to headset usage may be varied.

Once the validation process has been activated, atblock1814, a fingerprint scan is initiated to obtain fingerprint scan data. Atblock1816, the scan data is processed. Atblock1818, the scan data is compared to previously stored user fingerprint data to identify whether there is a match. Atdecision block1820, it is determined whether the user validation is approved based upon whether there is a match between the scanned fingerprint data and the stored user fingerprint data. If no atdecision block1820, then atblock1822 the user is notified of validation failure. If yes atdecision block1820, then atblock1824 the headset operation is validated and any headset functions requiring validation are unlocked and available for use. The process then returns to block1802. In one example, only select headset functions (e.g., access to user information, use of headset to access an automated teller machine, etc.) require validation for use while other headset functions (e.g., basic voice communications) are operational irrespective of whether the headset is in a validated or not validated state. In a further example, all headset functions are locked when the headset is not in a validated state.

The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Based on the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be applied to other body worn devices in addition to headsets. Furthermore, the functionality associated with any blocks described above may be centralized or distributed. It is also understood that one or more blocks of the headset may be performed by hardware, firmware or software, or some combinations thereof. Such modifications and changes do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention that is set forth in the following claims.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative and that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only in terms of the following claims as may be amended, with each claim being expressly incorporated into this Description of Specific Embodiments as an embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A headset comprising:

a detector providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition;

a memory storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user;

a finger pad on an exterior of the headset on which a fingerprint of a headset wearer is placed during a validation process;

a fingerprint scanner for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a state change from a doffed condition to a donned condition; and

a processor for processing the fingerprint scan to validate an identity of a headset user.

2. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the fingerprint scanner comprises an optical fingerprint scanner.

3. The headset ofclaim 2, wherein the optical fingerprint scanner comprises a charge coupled device and an internal light source.

4. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the fingerprint scanner comprises a capacitance scanner.

5. The headset ofclaim 4, wherein the capacitance scanner comprises a semiconductor chip sensor.

6. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the fingerprint scanner comprises a line scanner.

7. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the detector comprises a motion detector.

8. The headset ofclaim 7, wherein the motion detector includes a magnet and a coil moving relative to one another.

9. The headset ofclaim 7, wherein the motion detector includes an acceleration sensor having a mass affixed to a piezoelectric crystal.

10. The headset ofclaim 7, wherein the motion detector includes a light source, a photosensor, and a movable surface therebetween.

11. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the detector comprises one selected from the group consisting of an infra-red detector, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance circuit, a micro-switch, an inductive proximity switch, a skin resistance sensor, and at least two pyroelectric sensors for determining a difference in temperature readings from the two pyroelectric sensors.

12. A method for validating the identity of a headset wearer comprising:

detecting kinetic energy, temperature or capacitance to determine a headset characteristic;

processing the headset characteristic to determine a donned or doffed condition;

generating a fingerprint scan using a headset fingerprint scanner, and

processing the fingerprint scan to validate an identity of a headset wearer.

13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising determining whether a headset state has shifted from a doffed condition to a donned condition.

14. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising storing an authorized headset wearer fingerprint in a headset memory.

15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein processing the fingerprint scan to validate the identity of a headset wearer comprises comparing the fingerprint scan to a previously stored authorized headset wearer fingerprint.

16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the headset fingerprint scanner comprises an optical fingerprint scanner.

17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the optical fingerprint scanner comprises a charge coupled device and an internal light source.

18. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the headset fingerprint scanner comprises a capacitance scanner.

19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the capacitance scanner comprises a semiconductor chip sensor.

20. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the headset fingerprint scanner comprises a line scanner.

21. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising entering a validated state upon validation of the identity of the headset wearer.

22. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising terminating a validated state upon determination of a doffed condition.

23. A headset comprising:

a detector means for providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition;

a memory means storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user;

a surface means for receiving a fingerprint of a headset wearer during a validation process;

a fingerprint scanning means for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a state change from a doffed condition to a donned condition; and

a processing means for processing the fingerprint scan to validate an identity of a headset user.

24. The headset ofclaim 23, wherein the detector means comprises a motion detecting means for detecting headset movement.

25. A headset comprising:

a detector providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition;

a memory storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user;

a fingerprint scanner for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a donned condition;

a finger pad on an exterior of the headset on which a fingerprint of a headset wearer is placed during a validation process; and

26. The headset ofclaim 25, wherein the fingerprint scanner comprises an optical fingerprint scanner.

27. The headset ofclaim 26, wherein the optical fingerprint scanner comprises a charge coupled device and an internal light source.

28. The headset ofclaim 25, wherein the fingerprint scanner comprises a capacitance scanner.

29. The headset ofclaim 28, wherein the capacitance scanner comprises a semiconductor chip sensor.

30. The headset ofclaim 25, wherein the fingerprint scanner comprises a line scanner.

31. The headset ofclaim 25, wherein the detector comprises a motion detector.

32. The headset ofclaim 31, wherein the motion detector includes a magnet and a coil moving relative to one another.

33. The headset ofclaim 31, wherein the motion detector includes an acceleration sensor having a mass affixed to a piezoelectric crystal.

34. The headset ofclaim 31, wherein the motion detector includes a light source, a photosensor, and a movable surface therebetween.

35. The headset ofclaim 25, wherein the detector comprises one selected from the group consisting of an infra-red detector, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance circuit, a micro-switch, an inductive proximity switch, a skin resistance sensor, and at least two pyroelectric sensors for determining a difference in temperature readings from the two pyroelectric sensors.